Volvo Aims To Sell 28,800 XC90 Crossovers in US

Volvo has set a sales target for its brand-revitalizing XC90 crossover in the United States, aiming to sell 28,800 units in the model's first year.

Arriving at dealerships in May, the crossover is a crucial offering for Volvo, which saw U.S. sales decline 7.9 percent to 56,366 vehicles in 2014, Automotive News reported. The seven-seater's platform is one that will provide the underpinning for many future Volvo models.

The XC90, which is priced at $49,895 in the base Momentum and rises to $55,495 for the top-of-the-line Inscription version, will compete with luxury offerings including the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML and Infiniti X60.

In the U.S., it will come standard with all-wheel drive; while the EPA has not yet announced an estimated fuel economy rating, Volvo has promised that it will be class-leading.

The Swedish automaker has hailed the XC90 as a model that signals Volvo's next stage as a brand. Built without any parts from former owner Ford, the XC90 marks Volvo's new independence.

"We are so confident about this car. It is truly everything we stand for," said Bodil Eriksson, executive vice president for product marketing communications at Volvo Cars of North America, as quoted by Automotive News. "It is the first of many remodeled Volvo cars. The XC90 is more Volvo than we have had in many years."

Volvo plans to manufacture around 100,000 of the crossovers in a year. The U.S. is expected to be the XC90's largest market, while China, Sweden and the rest of Europe will follow.

The XC90 will be available with a range of 2-liter, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, including the top-of-the-line XC90 twin engine, which combines a supercharged and turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor to generate around 400 horsepower.

All engine versions are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Four-cylinder engine options replace the current XC90's thirsty V-8, while the 400-horsepower hybrid XC90 has 25 miles of range on pure battery.